A boy walks down the bustling and lively hallway with his books in his hand. He seems to be in his own world, with troubled thoughts taking over. Another pair of feet sneak up next to him and walk by his side as the blond unintentionally speaks aloud, "I really can't believe that Mikan-Chan will be gone starting tomorrow..." a heavy cloud weighs over his mind and heart at the thought, "It's only a bit more until our graduation ceremony and yet... it's really sad that we can't graduate elementary school together."
His blue eyes scan the area where different elementary kids are all smiling and laughing with one another, unaffected by what was going on with Sakura. His gaze finally settles on the dazzling ruby eyes that were staring at him the entire time. He wasn't even that frightened or startled that Natsume had snuck up to him. For some odd reason, Natsume had been by Ruka's side more often than usual. Yes, they were best friends but it was almost as though Natsume were watching over the boy in fear that he disappeared too.
The same was with Mikan.
Natsume somehow was always found with Ruka and Mikan, weirding out many students who knew the boy.
'Could he be missing Akako-Chan? Of course he is, what a silly question. Maybe that's why he hangs around Mikan-Chan and I so much.' Ruka often thought, now watching as Natsume walk ahead of him. He stares at Natsume's back as a thought suddenly fills his brain, swooping through like a strong gust of wind as he accidentally reminds himself of his best friend.
'It feels as though... Akako isn't in this world anymore. When will she and Imai return...?' Similar thoughts about the blonde girl swirl in his mind like a tornado, many different memories mixed with the wind as well as terrified thoughts. 'What if Imai couldn't save Akako...?'
Ruka begins walking after Natsume with his head hanging, 'What affect will that have on Mikan and Natsume?' Ruka wondered, 'Will they be okay?'
The two boys exit the school together, being welcomed by the bright and warm sun that shone down on them. Rather than reacting to the brightness as Ruka did when he shielded his eyes for a moment, Natsume stayed unfazed with his hands stuffed into his pocket. It takes the blonde a moment to gather his bearings and slowly lower his hand as the two stare up into the sky. The silence wasn't one of awkwardness, rather, it was just one of existence. There was no uncomfortable feeling within the quiet air nor was there contempt, the two were simply standing on the concrete and living in this frozen moment that seemed to stretch out for a few minutes.
Wanting to fill the air, Ruka speaks out, "Ne... Did you hear about Jinno-Sensei?" he asks. Neither look at the other as they watch the wind take random leaves with the breeze. Even the sight of that brought back many memories. "Mm." Natsume confirms, watching as the green pieces flutter and dance through the air to a ballad that he would never hear. Ruka nods after hearing his friend's response, "He's going to take the place as the new Elementary School Principal... It's a bit hard to fathom but he seems best fit for the role." The blond compliments the teacher, "Although he'll probably be rather strict, don't you think?" A small chuckle leaves his lips.
The sound of the small laugh eases Natsume's heart a bit as Ruka continues speaking. "And I heard that Narumi-Sensei is going to be the new teacher of the Dangerous Abilities class." Ruka talks, staring up at the passing clouds that slowly pass them by and fade into the horizon. "Oh, and for the middle school division..."
Natsume's eyes travel to Ruka, watching as the boy talks. His blue eyes never once travelled to Natsume. It was unknown if he merely didn't feel the need to or if Ruka didn't necessarily want to. He seemed to be talking to absolutely nothing and maybe he was, maybe Ruka needed to have the silence filled because he wasn't used to it. With Mikan leaving, things would never be as lively as they were and it would be a difficult thing for Ruka to get used to- though he, himself, was a bit quiet. So the reason for this blabbering, although he was the one doing it, was quite odd to him. While Ruka didn't know why he was like this at the moment, Natsume was able to read his best friend's actions and easily decipher what exactly the boy needed.
Ruka needed the twins.
///
The door to a room opens, revealing a frail boy who sits up in bed while wearing his pajamas. When the intruder walks through the threshold, a joyful expression reveals itself on the boy's face. "Mikan-Chan!" He welcomes the girl, happy to see her, "It's been a long time! Thank you for visiting me!"
Crocodile tears begin filling Mikan's eyes as the girl rushes to his bed and dramatically throws herself into his embrace, "Kaname-Senpai!!!" She bawls while burying her face into his chest.
Ruka watches from Tsubasa's side, both of whom decided to join Mikan on her visit to Bear's creator. The bed-ridden male wraps his arms around the girl, comfortingly patting her back, "Eh- Why, you had a fight with Bear?" He awkwardly smiles, "I'm sorry." He apologizes while Tsubasa raises an eyebrow at his friend, "What are you, a mind reader?"
Mikan raises her red and sweaty, tear covered face to reveal it to her senpai, "BUT WE WERE GETTING ALONG BETTER AND NOW-!" she sobs, "WHAT DID I DO WRONG?!" Mikan shouts out. In the past few days, Bear had been more violent towards Mikan than he had in a while and was ruthless to her- just as the day they had met. His odd behavior is one of the main reasons that spurred Mikan to have this surprise visit with Kaname-Senpai.
"You were getting along better..." Kaname looks up to the ceiling in thought before nodding to himself, "That's probably the reason." Kaname concludes. His words confuse Mikan as the snotty nosed girl reaches behind her, grabbing tissues from Ruka's hand that held a random tissue box. Her misty brown eyes stare at Kaname in confusion, "Huh?" She sniffles.
Kaname takes that moment to explain his thought process which was more than likely why Bear was acting out. "Unlike other stuffed toys, Bear had no master other than me. But since he became friends with Mikan-Chan, this would be the first time that he opened his heart to someone other than me." He states, "And now, since you are leaving the academy and him behind, even though in his mind he understands the circumstances, his heart could not take it... He is filled with loneliness because his master is leaving him behind."
Kaname's words touch Mikan's heart as her eyes are opened to Bear's feelings. "Right now, Bear is probably just hitting you so he could convey his feelings to you."
'Bear...' Mikan's heart twists for a moment.
"But I'm thankful."
Those words take Mikan by surprise and she looks up to see a gentle and genuine smile on Kaname's face. "Bear used to dislike people so much and now he has found someone like you..." Kaname chuckles to himself. "Although I feel a bit lonely that Bear has finally graduated from the world where I am the only one, still- I am glad." To Kaname, all of his creations were held dear to his heart. Never would Kaname have imagined that Bear would open himself so much to someone that wasn't him, seeing his friend grow like Bear did- it almost felt like a father watching his son grow up. While it saddened Kaname a bit, it was a joy to watch Bear open his view of the world that awaited him.
"Although Bear is being bad to you because he's sulking, I'm relieved." Kaname reaches his hand out and places it on Mikan's while bowing his head in appreciation with an angelic smile, "Thank you... Mikan-Chan... I will talk to Bear- I'll explain that this doesn't mean that you are throwing him away. Even though he cares for you so deeply, that you still myst part ways. Though it will be hard for a stuffed toy like Bear to understand, By knowing that he is certainly loved, he could continue living on. And I know for sure, someday, he will be able fo understand your feelings..."
And with that, their visit is brought to an end.
Tsubasa leads his two kouhai's out of the building as they all stay bundled up in the chilly weather that was bestowed upon them. They all sported casual clothing, each with their own jacket. Tsubasa walks ahead of the pack while Ruka turns towards Mikan, "Sakura, are you returning to the dormitory after this?" He asks.
Mikan thinks for a moment, raising a finger to her chin as she thinks of her options. After a moment, Mikan shakes her head. "Um, not yet. I think I will go to Central Town to buy a present for Jii-Chan- since this will be the last time I'd be able to go..." She trails off before looking at the two boys, "Won't you come with me, Ruka-Pyon, Tsubasa-Senpai?" She smiles at the two.
Immediately, Tsubasa pushes Ruka to Mikan's side with a sly grin on his face as he waves them off, "No, no. Go ahead, go ahead! I won't disturb you two..." Ruka's face is lit aflame and he yells at the Cheshire grinning Senpai, "What's wrong with you!!"
All the while, Mikan stared at her Senpai with her big round unknowing eyes, "Ehhh~ You're not coming Tsubasa-Senpai?" Tsubasa shakes his head and pushes both of the children onto the bus that would drive them to central town. He waves a handkerchief after them, teasing the blond aboard, "Good luck!"
Ruka is heard from inside the bus, shouting at Tsubasa to shut up. The shadow-manipulator isn't even fazed and winks at the retreating bus, "See you baby~!" Once they've left his sight, Tsubasa keeps standing there. Although Mikan was leaving soon, he would always treasure these moments- the moments when he could tease the two of them and see her smile. It felt refreshing to see Mikan smile, her grin always finding a way to brighten up the dimmest hearts.
Tsubasa turns around and begins walking towards his dorm while stuffing his hands into his pockets. As he continues his walk, his eyes wander towards the sky while the boy begins finding different shapes in the clouds.
///
A loud sigh escapes Mikan as she walks down the street of Central town with Ruka following behind her. "I wanted to buy a lot of things but my savings is only enough for one box of howalon.." Mikan giggles to herself, rubbing the back of her head as she laughs at her unrealistic hopes. Ruka shakes his head at the girl, smiling at her expression, "Mm. Your Grandfather will surely be happy."
After saying that sentence, Ruka quickly notices a small change in Mikan's behavior. Her eyes looked down for a second as her smile faded away, her whole mood seeming to dim for just a moment. He cocks his head to the side at her change in attitude, 'Surely her grandfather will love anything Mikan gives him. Perhaps she wishes she could get him more things.' Ruka ponders. For a moment, he debates offering her some rabbits to buy more gifts but knowing Mikan, she would never accept the offer.
A sign catches his attention from his peripheral, Ruka stopping and turning his head to read the sign. An idea pops into his mind as he pinches Mikan's sleeve to catch her attention, "It's the Fluffy Soft Serve Ice Cream. Let's eat that while we take a break? My treat!" Ruka offers while Mikan's eyes go blank in surprise with a bit of drool escaping her mouth.
"Fluffy Soft Serve Ice Cream?! She exclaims in excitement. Seeing her mood brighten, Ruka eagerly grabs her by the hand and leads her towards the booth, "Come on!" He encourages. At the moment, neither had realized the fact that they were holding hands as the boy lead the brunette towards the creamy treat.
They both get cones with their ice cream that was as soft and light as a cloud. "Uwahhhh! I'm so excited!" Mikan cheers before taking a small bite. The ice cream quickly desolves in her mouth leaving behind a cold, sweet taste in her mouth. Ruka watches her eyes light up for a moment, Mikan raising a hand to hold her cheek as she savors her treat. "This is so yummy!" Mikan giggles to herself.
Relief fills Ruka, seeing Mikan back to her regular optimistic self. He takes a small bite of his own ice cream before helplessly watching some of Mikan's ice cream start to fly away. When she notices, Mikan screams and begins to panic- claiming that her ice cream would fly and make an ice cream cloud. Her claims make Ruka laugh as she tries to keep it from flying away.
Soon, the two end up sitting next to one another on a grassy knoll and stare up at the sky. "Look, Look, Ruka-pyon! Look at that veeeery small cloud!" Mikan points up to the sky, "I'm pretty sure that one is my Fluffy Soft Serve Ice Cream blown away and turned into a cloud!" Mikan nods her head to herself. "Huh?" Ruka furrows his brows for a moment and shakes his head at Mikan.
They watch for a bit more before Mikan throws herself backwards to lay down on the soft grass. Ruka glances at her and lays down as well, turning on to his side to face Mikan head on. She turns her face towards him, smiling at Ruka who simply stares at her before turning her gaze back towards the sky as she takes in this moment. Something warm takes hold of her hand, startling Mikan. Her attention is drawn to the boy who lays next to her, holding her hand in his own, "Ru..." She trails off until the boy speaks.
"I know that I've already told you before but... I love you... Mikan." When he says those words, Mikan's heart flutters for a moment. Time seems to stop as only the two of them exist in the wide universe- nothing mattered more that each other. "Even if we part ways and you forget about me, I will always think of you. Even if I grow old and I leave this academy, I will definitely come and find you." Ruka tells her. "Until the day that you remember me, I will always wait for you."
"Ruka..." Mikan's eyes well up as a smile comes to her face. she turns to lay on her side as well and smiles as best as she can through her tears, "I love you, Ruka!" Mikan grins, "My heart is so happy right now...!" She holds it as her chest aches in glee and heartache. Joyful that the two of them could spend this moment with one another and yet... her heart hurt at the fact that she would forget about the boy when her memory was wiped.
Seeing her tears, Ruka moves his hand forward and wipes a stray tear away. As he does so, Mikan locks her pinky with his own. He looks down at their hands in surprise as Mikan makes a promise. "I will wait for Ruka-pyon to find me. I'll remember you when I see you outside of the academy. So... Make sure to come for me!"
Ruka leans forward and rests his forehead against Mikan's as the two close their eyes and complete this promise. Both children are contempt in this moment as they promise themselves to one another. Ruka brings Mikan's hand to his mouth before placing a final delicate kiss, sealing their future.
Mikan slaps a hand over her mouth as her cheeks become dusted with a blush, Ruka laughing at her flustered expression, "I definitely will! It's a kiss of promise!"
Sorry for taking so long!!! I hope I made up for it with the MikanxRuka moment! Anyways, I'm going to try and start writing the next chapter as soon as I can! Please be patient with me!
And OMG guys, it's been just around four years since I started this story! The fact that I can remember the exact night that I wrote the first chapter and I remember being excited to publish it shows the impact this story has on me. It was a great night and I got little ceasers too-
Vote and Comment and hopefully that will give me motivation to complete all of my work so I can work more on this book lol! Love you all!